How to Leverage Chaos and Uncertainty in Your Favor with Pat Dwyer
- Tosca DiMatteo
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
What happens when you flip the script and embrace uncertainty rather than hang on to the stress of it all? In this episode of The Unlock Lab, I explore that question with Pat Dwyer, a powerhouse motivational speaker. Our freewheeling conversation ranges from surviving dysentery in West Africa (three times!!), to performing with Second City, to guiding teams and organizations through the unpredictability of life and business.
The Power of Team (and Saying Yes)
Pat’s story is grounded in community and collaboration. Early in his career, mentors told him: just ask, the world often says yes more than we expect. Pat’s improv journey taught him the value of picking up ideas from others to build something greater together. Whether in improv, the workplace, or life, “you don’t need to do it alone, and you don’t have to do it alone”. Embracing this spirit, leaning on others and being generous with his time has brought him breakthrough experiences and lasting resilience.
Taking Leaps (and Pivoting When Needed)
Pat’s career is defined by bold leaps: leaving politics for comedy, moving from startup culture to full-time performing, and then transitioning into public speaking. One of his signature insights? The real discomfort is on the diving board, not in the pool. The leap is scary, but it’s only after we jump, that we experience growth. Pat emphasizes that no experience is wasted; even “wrong turns” simply add to our toolkit and teach us what is (and isn’t) right for our path.
Humor as Resilience
Why is humor such a powerful force in challenge and change? Pat credits it with not only helping himself survive and even thrive through periods of chaos, but also in helping teams and audiences open up to new possibilities. Laughter loosens fear and resistance. When organizations need to shake loose stagnant thinking or face major uncertainty, humor breaks the tension, builds connection, and unlocks creative solutions. “I’m not a functioning member of society,” Pat jokingly says, “but I help functioning members of society function better by giving them laughter.”
Radical Moves and Finding Freedom
The pandemic forced Pat and his family to radically rethink their lives. With a son with a medical condition, and work canceled overnight they sold their home and moved into an RV, traveling the U.S. for a year. Far from retreating, Pat describes how this period became a time of renewal, clarity, and deep learning about himself, his family, and what really matters. Stepping into the unknown, he discovered the true shape of what he was meant to offer as a speaker and leader. This story reminds us that often, our greatest freedom is found beyond our comfort zone.
Practical Wisdom for Uncertain Times
Pat’s core advice? Leverage the uncertainty. Keep asking questions, collecting clues, and trust that the pieces will come together. The only way through chaos is forward, one leap, one laugh, one learning moment at a time. Trusting in both yourself and your community, and being willing to pivot lays the ground for personal and professional breakthroughs.
Pat Dwyer continues to use his unique blend of comedy, insight, and empathy to spark growth in audiences worldwide. His message: The path ahead is never fully clear, but it’s always worth taking. And if you can bring some humor along for the ride, all the better.
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